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Nic & Nigel Mystery #2
Killer Cocktail
A Nic & Nigel Mystery Walking the red carpet at the Academy Awards with a bow-tied Bullmastiff draws Nic and Nigel Martini plenty of attention from the press. But that’s nothing compared to the attention they receive at the A-list after-party, when Hollywood royalty learn they’ve discovered behind-the-scenes footage from an acclaimed film that left one of its stars dead.
289 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2016
4 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Kiely
11 books156 followersTracy Kiely graduated from Trinity College in 1990 with a degree in English. Tracy's first novel, Murder at Longbourn, is a mystery set in Cape Cod, and combines her love of the classic English country house murder and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband, Matt, and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 15, 2017
Another great story in this fantastic series. I love the banter and chemistry between Nic and Nigel. Their bull mastiff, Skippy, is so adorable and funny. He brings a lot of humor to the stories and in this story, helps Nic and Nigel solve the mystery. The mystery was fast paced and kept me guessing all the way up, until the end on who the killer was.
Very much looking forward to reading the third book, when it is released later this year.
Very much looking forward to reading the third book, when it is released later this year.
June 14, 2017
Nic and Nigel have recently discovered some home movies from the production of A Winter’s Night, a huge movie from 20 years ago famous not only for the wonderful story but the behind the scenes drama, including the death of the original star. They are the talk of the Oscars, but a break in convince the couple that there is someone on those tapes someone doesn’t want seen. Can they figure out what that is?
This is a second delightful romp with a modern day homage to The Thin Man, not that you need to be familiar with the original to enjoy this book. The book includes portions of the tapes that have been found, and since they introduce us to the suspects and motives, they are important. I thought I had things figured out early on, but I turned out to be wrong. The characters are a lot of fun, and the banter kept me grinning if not laughing outright.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a second delightful romp with a modern day homage to The Thin Man, not that you need to be familiar with the original to enjoy this book. The book includes portions of the tapes that have been found, and since they introduce us to the suspects and motives, they are important. I thought I had things figured out early on, but I turned out to be wrong. The characters are a lot of fun, and the banter kept me grinning if not laughing outright.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 22, 2019
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mystery writings
December 5, 2021
Great summertime read.
Love the sense of humour of the two main protagonists.
Love the sense of humour of the two main protagonists.
April 21, 2016
The second entry in this cozy series will keep readers amused even as they try to pin down which of the suspects is responsible for a murder committed two decades ago. Killer Cocktail begins with Nic and Nigel Martini and their bull mastiff Skippy on the red carpet for the Oscars. Nic is a retired New York police detective and Nigel owns a film restoration company. The couple has recently bought a house and discovered a box of home movies taken by the producers daughter during the filming of a classic movie in 1996. Unfortunately the star died of a drug overdose during the filming and was replaced by a supporting cast member who then rocketed to stardom herself.
While Nic and Nigel are enjoying the parties after the seemingly endless Oscar ceremony, their house is broken into and an employee, who was working on the recovered tapes, is beaten nearly to death and some of the tapes stolen. As Nic and Nigel investigate, it seems likely that the star who died did not accidentally overdose. She was murdered. But by who and why?
This is the second Nic and Nigel Mystery. I suggest starting with the first, Murder with a Twist, but if you should have no trouble picking up on the story and characters if you skip it. Author Tracy Kiely's characters are inspired by Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett but you can enjoy the humor and mystery of the books without having any familiarity with Hammett's characters.
While Nic and Nigel are enjoying the parties after the seemingly endless Oscar ceremony, their house is broken into and an employee, who was working on the recovered tapes, is beaten nearly to death and some of the tapes stolen. As Nic and Nigel investigate, it seems likely that the star who died did not accidentally overdose. She was murdered. But by who and why?
This is the second Nic and Nigel Mystery. I suggest starting with the first, Murder with a Twist, but if you should have no trouble picking up on the story and characters if you skip it. Author Tracy Kiely's characters are inspired by Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett but you can enjoy the humor and mystery of the books without having any familiarity with Hammett's characters.
July 17, 2016
In Tracy Kiely's Killer Cocktail, the 2nd installment in the Nicole and Nigel Martini cozy mystery series, you'll get a taste of Hollywood behind the scenes. If you loved JA Konrath's Jack Daniels mystery series, you'll love this one, too. For Nicole and Nigel Martini, they've been invited to a Hollywood party for the Oscars and get to mingle with the stars. They just renovated and brought the home from Frank Sameuls, a top-notch Hollywood producer, and discovered old film footage from one of the fallen rising stars, Melanie Summers. She was the top of the game, until she "overdosed" and died, twenty years ago. Now it was up to Nic and Nigel to watch their videos and learn more about her back then. But when word came around about it, someone attacked their employee and almost left her for dead. When they discovered the truth and had it figured it out, when tragedy had struck with a homicide now, their lives became in peril when they couldn't have guessed who done it and why in the end.
May 16, 2016
It 's a very enjoyable and entertaining read, a brilliant cozy mystery set in the world of Hollywood.
Nic and Nigel have recovered in the attic of their new home a copy of A Winter's Night, a film that seemed lost forever. This give them the right to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards. But when they get home find a mess and injured the boy who had entrusted their dog. Will be linked to the film that they have found? One of the actresses of this film is dead, some think that it was a fake death. Nic and Nigel will try to shed some light on the matter.
I devoured this book! It was a quick read and just what I was in the mood for. The characters were well written and the storyline believable. Nic and Nigel Martini are a wonderful couple and smart detective, I liked how they work together. Great idea to insert some scenes of the 1996 movie, I really enjoyed reading them as much. Too cute the dog Skippy.
Although it is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I can not wait to read the next episode.
Nic and Nigel have recovered in the attic of their new home a copy of A Winter's Night, a film that seemed lost forever. This give them the right to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards. But when they get home find a mess and injured the boy who had entrusted their dog. Will be linked to the film that they have found? One of the actresses of this film is dead, some think that it was a fake death. Nic and Nigel will try to shed some light on the matter.
I devoured this book! It was a quick read and just what I was in the mood for. The characters were well written and the storyline believable. Nic and Nigel Martini are a wonderful couple and smart detective, I liked how they work together. Great idea to insert some scenes of the 1996 movie, I really enjoyed reading them as much. Too cute the dog Skippy.
Although it is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I can not wait to read the next episode.
September 15, 2016
I'm struggling to give this 3 stars, but knowing there is a big audience for this light mystery, I wouldn't want to discourage anyone who loves cozies from reading this one. It was a cute take-off on Nick and Nora Charles, except "Asta" is a bullmastiff named "Skippy" in this version. The humor is funny at first but started to wear a little thin for me when the clever banter slowed down the progress of the story. I guessed the motive early on but not whodunnit. It was cleverly told with alternating chapters featuring outtakes from a classic movie and the real-time detective pair. And it has potential as a series down the road if the mystery itself can take precedence over the laughs.
June 7, 2016
Former police detective Nicole and her dilettante husband Nigel Martini are in the business of finding and restoring lost films. When they find some home movies made on the set of the classic 'A Winter's Night,' it becomes clear that someone doesn't want them to view the footage. Of course, star Melanie Summers died during the filming, and her rival Christine Franklin got her big chance--and a long run with Melanie's former boyfriend, John Cummings. Is it a coincidence that the same people are currently around Hollywood, along with the film's director and producer?
April 25, 2017
This series is great fun! I absolutely love Nic, Nigel and Skippy. I figured out a few clues before Nic and Nigel, had some wild theories of my own, but ultimately failed to guess the killer's identity.
May 26, 2017
Princess Fuzzypants here:
I love the Thin Man movies. I love the NIck and Nora book series. This book clearly tries to emulate the froth and fun of the original. The Nic and Nigel dialogue succeeded. I could hear William Powell deliver NIgel's lines and Nic almost got Myrna Loy down too. The story was interesting. Video tapes are discovered in their new home from the film set of a classic movie. It had to be reshot because the leading lady committed suicide- or did she?
When some of the tapes are stolen in a violent break in than seriously injures their assistant, the two are determined to figure out what was so corrosive that it would lead someone to go to such extremes. In this version, it is Nic who has the legal background as a former NYC detective. Naturally, the local misogynistic cop doesn't appreciate her help. If there is a weak point in the story, I would say it was the conflict between them. It may distracted from the story.
The film characters were well defined and easy to "cast" in my mind. The use of real stars in the book came across like name dropping and I am not sure how well some of them might appreciate their inclusion. My two objections, the conflict between Nic and the cop and the mixture of fictional with "factual" reduced my enjoyment of what should have been a truly good book.
Still and all, I give it four purrs and two paws up.
I love the Thin Man movies. I love the NIck and Nora book series. This book clearly tries to emulate the froth and fun of the original. The Nic and Nigel dialogue succeeded. I could hear William Powell deliver NIgel's lines and Nic almost got Myrna Loy down too. The story was interesting. Video tapes are discovered in their new home from the film set of a classic movie. It had to be reshot because the leading lady committed suicide- or did she?
When some of the tapes are stolen in a violent break in than seriously injures their assistant, the two are determined to figure out what was so corrosive that it would lead someone to go to such extremes. In this version, it is Nic who has the legal background as a former NYC detective. Naturally, the local misogynistic cop doesn't appreciate her help. If there is a weak point in the story, I would say it was the conflict between them. It may distracted from the story.
The film characters were well defined and easy to "cast" in my mind. The use of real stars in the book came across like name dropping and I am not sure how well some of them might appreciate their inclusion. My two objections, the conflict between Nic and the cop and the mixture of fictional with "factual" reduced my enjoyment of what should have been a truly good book.
Still and all, I give it four purrs and two paws up.
May 8, 2017
What a fun find this was! I was browsing the mystery section at my library and stumbled upon the second in Tracy Kiely's exceedingly fun Nic and Nigel series. I was drawn to the bright cover and the title, then when I read the comments calling it a modern-day Nick and Nora Charles-type cozy mystery, I was hooked. I LOVE the Thin Man movies (if you don't know them, they're black and white Myrna Loy/William Powell movies based on a couple of Dashiell Hammett short stories), and Kiely has absolutely nailed the snappy dialogue and witty eclat that made them so delightful. The mystery is fun - it's an insider look at Hollywood, full of all the dark secrets and catty interactions you'd expect - and I got pretty far in before I figured out whodunit (unusual for me in a cozy, as a genre they tend to telegraph more than this one did) - but it is the characters that made it so exceptional. They are, in a word, brilliant. I've already requested the first in the series from the library AND the not-yet-released third from NetGalley - I can't get enough Nic and Nigel!
August 8, 2017
After reading A Perfect Manhattan Murder, I had to read the previous Nic & Nigel book. I really enjoyed the wit, plot, and pace. The characters were well written. The story is narrated in first person by Nic. It is an entertaining quick read. I enjoyed older movies growing up and this had a “Nora & Nick” feeling to it. Reading these in order is not necessary. It does well as a standalone book.
What I enjoy the most about this series is the character interaction, the dialogue, and the non-graphic description of murders. Looking forward to more from this author.
What I enjoy the most about this series is the character interaction, the dialogue, and the non-graphic description of murders. Looking forward to more from this author.
September 9, 2017
What a fun read. If you like your mysteries with a big dose of smart ass repartee, this one's for you. Former police detective Nic and her wealthy husband Nigel are in Hollywood. An old scandal concerning the alleged overdose death of a young actress reappears and all the involved parties are still around and making a movie together. Someone has a secret that they are willing to murder to keep quiet. Nic and Nigel and their pony sized dog Skippy are on the job.
September 28, 2017
Second in the Nic and Nigel series. Humorous, as usual.
December 3, 2017
a littgle confusing. not as good as the first book.
March 3, 2018
Easy read.
January 31, 2020
This book was an easy read and I loved the way Nic and Nigel work together.
Read
April 15, 2020Just ok. Simple reading
November 5, 2019
A breezy murder mystery in the vain of Nick and Nora Charles with witty banter and Hollywood glamour.
July 9, 2020
Nic and Nigel Martini, with their party-crashing dog Skippy, are guests at the Academy Awards for their work on finding the behind-the-scenes footage of the film, "A Winter's Night", which starred famous (and deceased) actress Melanie Summers. During the after party, Nigel gets a strange call from his assistant, who they later discovered was beaten terribly with the Oscar trophy of Best Actress winner, Christina Franklin. When they do their own investigating, they dig up much more than old footage, but secrets and scandals that anyone would kill for.
Our favorite sleuthing couple, Nic (Nicole) and Nigel Martini, are back in this second installment of the Nic & Nigel Mystery series. This seems to be not a cozy mystery, but a regular mystery, only it's more lighthearted because of the main characters' personalities and their relationship with each other. Though Nic seemed to be the ironic MC and Nigel her airhead husband, this story has depth. Nic, despite her somewhat flippant attitude, has a lot of empathy (which is a must for a cozy mystery protagonist), and has not rid herself of her police detective ways, despite having a happy married life. Nigel seems flighty at first, with a giant penchant for alcoholic drinks, but he surprisingly has great perceptive skills. These two seemed to be living the easy life, drinking and socializing with Hollywood A-listers, but are actually very much determined to solve the mystery for their employee's sake, to clear the innocent, and to bring justice. Even Skippy, who has been bothering everyone, is the Martini's beloved dog who seemed to have inherited the intelligence and intuition of his "parents".
Even the story seemed your run-of-the-mill mystery, but is something more. Without spoiling anything, there is a spotlight on the system of abuse of the Hollywood elite structure towards women, especially young women, which happened then and is still happening at this moment. There are also glimpses into the dynamics of various kinds of relationships against the glitz and glamorous background of the entertainment world. I thought, however, the mystery could have benefited from a longer narrative, because it seemed like it was shorter and the pacing was more rushed. However, I think the suspects, even if they were introduced quickly and they did not play their roles longer, were fleshed out properly. The female characters, both the main and the supporting ones, have more interesting personalities and generated more pathos.
I'm giving this a higher rating because of the chemistry between Nic and Nigel and the weird humor and complexity of the story that somehow worked. I was unable to pause or stop reading this until I got to the last chapters. I was greatly entertained.
Our favorite sleuthing couple, Nic (Nicole) and Nigel Martini, are back in this second installment of the Nic & Nigel Mystery series. This seems to be not a cozy mystery, but a regular mystery, only it's more lighthearted because of the main characters' personalities and their relationship with each other. Though Nic seemed to be the ironic MC and Nigel her airhead husband, this story has depth. Nic, despite her somewhat flippant attitude, has a lot of empathy (which is a must for a cozy mystery protagonist), and has not rid herself of her police detective ways, despite having a happy married life. Nigel seems flighty at first, with a giant penchant for alcoholic drinks, but he surprisingly has great perceptive skills. These two seemed to be living the easy life, drinking and socializing with Hollywood A-listers, but are actually very much determined to solve the mystery for their employee's sake, to clear the innocent, and to bring justice. Even Skippy, who has been bothering everyone, is the Martini's beloved dog who seemed to have inherited the intelligence and intuition of his "parents".
Even the story seemed your run-of-the-mill mystery, but is something more. Without spoiling anything, there is a spotlight on the system of abuse of the Hollywood elite structure towards women, especially young women, which happened then and is still happening at this moment. There are also glimpses into the dynamics of various kinds of relationships against the glitz and glamorous background of the entertainment world. I thought, however, the mystery could have benefited from a longer narrative, because it seemed like it was shorter and the pacing was more rushed. However, I think the suspects, even if they were introduced quickly and they did not play their roles longer, were fleshed out properly. The female characters, both the main and the supporting ones, have more interesting personalities and generated more pathos.
I'm giving this a higher rating because of the chemistry between Nic and Nigel and the weird humor and complexity of the story that somehow worked. I was unable to pause or stop reading this until I got to the last chapters. I was greatly entertained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2016
Title: Killer Cocktails - Nic & Nigel Mystery 2
Author: Tracy Kiely
Published: 5-8-2016
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Pages: 240
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers& Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9780738745237
ASIN: B01A5OGVRG
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 5 Stars
.
Nigel and Nic take on Hollywood glitz and over-sized egos with wit and humor. After purchasing the home of a Hollywood Producers of a film where lead female Melanie Summers supposedly died from a drug overdose Nic and Nigel gain possession of a video shot by the producers daughter of candid behind the scenes events of the filming. Which may provide more information on what happened to Melanie. Nic, Nigel and Skippy show up in their finery too take their walk down the red carpet to attend the Oscars. Returning home they find their home in shambles and their housekeeper nearly beaten to death. Outraged the begin searching for who could be behind the attack and why. The key seems to be Melanie and her death and the suspect list includes, John the male lead in the film that dropped Melanie to take up with her replacement Christine who went on to win an Oscar and Melanie's overbearing mother. Not to mention the celebrity reporter, the producer, even Melanie's personal assistant. Each has something to hide and each will do anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Told in alternating times, present day and 1996, the time of Melanie's murder. The Martini's use their wit and banter to keep the mystery from becoming dark and the other characters tedious. I fell in love with them in Murder with a Twist and continue to adore them still. Ms. Kiely uses her talents to bring them and the scenes to life. I have a feeling she could have Nic and Nigel fit in any environment and make me believe they belong there. Her plots are intriguing and unique. Another great hit for the Nic and Nigel Mastery series. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars. Anyone who enjoys the old Nick and Nora Charles movies will love this series.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A5OGVRG/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kille...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Tracy Kiely
Published: 5-8-2016
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Pages: 240
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers& Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9780738745237
ASIN: B01A5OGVRG
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 5 Stars
.
Nigel and Nic take on Hollywood glitz and over-sized egos with wit and humor. After purchasing the home of a Hollywood Producers of a film where lead female Melanie Summers supposedly died from a drug overdose Nic and Nigel gain possession of a video shot by the producers daughter of candid behind the scenes events of the filming. Which may provide more information on what happened to Melanie. Nic, Nigel and Skippy show up in their finery too take their walk down the red carpet to attend the Oscars. Returning home they find their home in shambles and their housekeeper nearly beaten to death. Outraged the begin searching for who could be behind the attack and why. The key seems to be Melanie and her death and the suspect list includes, John the male lead in the film that dropped Melanie to take up with her replacement Christine who went on to win an Oscar and Melanie's overbearing mother. Not to mention the celebrity reporter, the producer, even Melanie's personal assistant. Each has something to hide and each will do anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Told in alternating times, present day and 1996, the time of Melanie's murder. The Martini's use their wit and banter to keep the mystery from becoming dark and the other characters tedious. I fell in love with them in Murder with a Twist and continue to adore them still. Ms. Kiely uses her talents to bring them and the scenes to life. I have a feeling she could have Nic and Nigel fit in any environment and make me believe they belong there. Her plots are intriguing and unique. Another great hit for the Nic and Nigel Mastery series. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars. Anyone who enjoys the old Nick and Nora Charles movies will love this series.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A5OGVRG/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kille...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
May 13, 2016
Nic and Nigel Martini have a great relationship. They both are snarky and if there was ever a town that needs more snark it's Hollywood. And I think it was great that they slapped a black bow-tie on their dog and walked him on the Red Carpet! Self-important stage monsters (mothers) and patronizing police detectives are just two targets of their unique sense of humor.
The Martini's bought their house from a Hollywood producer. Years ago his daughter took candid video backstage on a movie set where the star died during production. The male lead in the movie, John used to have a thing going with Melanie, but he dumped her for Christina, the up-and-coming (and younger) starlet. Now Christina is on top, having won an Oscar, but John has moved on to a 20 years younger, no-talent, Hollywood wannabe who happened to get pregnant. The way things work in that town, it's a wonder the tabloids have to make things up, exaggerate the truth.
Nic and Nigel are the two most un-Hollywood types in Killer Cocktail, and are voices of reason in the sea of craziness. How did they get so grounded? Ms. Kiely gives us glimpses here and there into Nic and Nigel's past, and it would be interesting to see how they stayed sane. ;)
When the Martini's return home after the Oscar after-party, their house is a shambles and their employee may or may not live. The key to the present-day crime may just be in the past. Nothing gets someone more riled up than when you mess with their family. And Nic and Nigel considered DeDee part of their 'family'. So when she is attacked and nearly killed, the Martini's are on the case. And the more they dig (in Hollywood), the more secrets they uncover - secrets that some people would rather stay buried - for their 'reputation'. (If they were so image-conscious, why'd they do what they did in the first place?)
Ms. Kiely is a wonderful guide to the jungles of Hollywood, where most people present one face to the world, and a different one to the morning mirror. There are several 'switchbacks' in Killer Cocktail that I did not see coming, but they made the ride all the more exciting. Think of this series like a gilt-edged, embossed invitation to the biggest after-party in Hollywood. Everybody wants to be there.
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
The Martini's bought their house from a Hollywood producer. Years ago his daughter took candid video backstage on a movie set where the star died during production. The male lead in the movie, John used to have a thing going with Melanie, but he dumped her for Christina, the up-and-coming (and younger) starlet. Now Christina is on top, having won an Oscar, but John has moved on to a 20 years younger, no-talent, Hollywood wannabe who happened to get pregnant. The way things work in that town, it's a wonder the tabloids have to make things up, exaggerate the truth.
Nic and Nigel are the two most un-Hollywood types in Killer Cocktail, and are voices of reason in the sea of craziness. How did they get so grounded? Ms. Kiely gives us glimpses here and there into Nic and Nigel's past, and it would be interesting to see how they stayed sane. ;)
When the Martini's return home after the Oscar after-party, their house is a shambles and their employee may or may not live. The key to the present-day crime may just be in the past. Nothing gets someone more riled up than when you mess with their family. And Nic and Nigel considered DeDee part of their 'family'. So when she is attacked and nearly killed, the Martini's are on the case. And the more they dig (in Hollywood), the more secrets they uncover - secrets that some people would rather stay buried - for their 'reputation'. (If they were so image-conscious, why'd they do what they did in the first place?)
Ms. Kiely is a wonderful guide to the jungles of Hollywood, where most people present one face to the world, and a different one to the morning mirror. There are several 'switchbacks' in Killer Cocktail that I did not see coming, but they made the ride all the more exciting. Think of this series like a gilt-edged, embossed invitation to the biggest after-party in Hollywood. Everybody wants to be there.
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
May 2, 2016
I need a cocktail after this Dirty Martini!
The story opens with Nigel and Nicole Martini on the red carpet at the Oscars with their bull mastiff, Skippy. I think I felt the omens at the first page. This isn’t an awful book, and the plot is quite clever and well executed, but personally I couldn’t work out why Nic was still with Nigel. He works in films and she is an ex-New York detective from the homicide division. Whilst Nic is adult and responsible, Nigel seems to have ‘one-liner’ Tourette’s! The man is so irritating I would have throttled him years ago!
The story revolves around the sudden death of a Hollywood star, Melanie Summers, who appears to have died from a drug overdose in 1994 whilst filming the much talked about film, ‘A Winter’s Night’. Whilst there have always been those who doubted that her death was an accident, it isn’t until Nigel unearths some old footage taken by the 14-year-old daughter of the film’s Producer, Frank Samuels that the film industry takes any more interest.
The discovery of the film reels excites the whole of Hollywood; everyone is excited by the idea of the ‘behind the scenes’ footage which Nigel is editing into a single film. Some however have a more sinister interest as they find out when three reels are stolen from Nic and Nigel’s home by a burglar who leaves their assistant DeDee fighting for her life. Whatever is on those films, someone is prepared to go to any lengths to stop it being seen.
The plotline and some of the characterisations are well executed and I admit I didn’t work out ‘whodunit’ until very near the end; but for me it was trying too hard to make Nigel funny, which I am afraid he really wasn’t. The character which came out best I felt was Skippy, the bull mastiff!
If you like your crime thrillers to be light and easy reads, then you may well enjoy this novel.
Sadly, I didn’t.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
The story opens with Nigel and Nicole Martini on the red carpet at the Oscars with their bull mastiff, Skippy. I think I felt the omens at the first page. This isn’t an awful book, and the plot is quite clever and well executed, but personally I couldn’t work out why Nic was still with Nigel. He works in films and she is an ex-New York detective from the homicide division. Whilst Nic is adult and responsible, Nigel seems to have ‘one-liner’ Tourette’s! The man is so irritating I would have throttled him years ago!
The story revolves around the sudden death of a Hollywood star, Melanie Summers, who appears to have died from a drug overdose in 1994 whilst filming the much talked about film, ‘A Winter’s Night’. Whilst there have always been those who doubted that her death was an accident, it isn’t until Nigel unearths some old footage taken by the 14-year-old daughter of the film’s Producer, Frank Samuels that the film industry takes any more interest.
The discovery of the film reels excites the whole of Hollywood; everyone is excited by the idea of the ‘behind the scenes’ footage which Nigel is editing into a single film. Some however have a more sinister interest as they find out when three reels are stolen from Nic and Nigel’s home by a burglar who leaves their assistant DeDee fighting for her life. Whatever is on those films, someone is prepared to go to any lengths to stop it being seen.
The plotline and some of the characterisations are well executed and I admit I didn’t work out ‘whodunit’ until very near the end; but for me it was trying too hard to make Nigel funny, which I am afraid he really wasn’t. The character which came out best I felt was Skippy, the bull mastiff!
If you like your crime thrillers to be light and easy reads, then you may well enjoy this novel.
Sadly, I didn’t.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 19, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Another extraordinary story from Tracy Kiely!
Nic, Nigel, and Skippy go to the Oscars and we get to tag along. (Skippy has to go home after the red carpet.) At the after party Nic and Nigel are pretty popular because the celebs learn they found some behind the scenes footage from a movie filmed in the 90’s. Melanie Summers died while it was filming and there was a lot of gossip and innuendo at the time. Someone overheard the conversations and knew those clips couldn’t see the light of day. They broke into the Martini’s home, attacked the employee taking care of Skippy and left her for dead, trashed the house and stole the footage. Nigel and Nic have a new case to solve and they may have to look into the past to solve it.
These characters are just so cool and fresh. They are in love, and are witty and charming. I love their conversations. Their sarcasm is priceless. They are also very smart sleuths. I enjoy their process and innocent probing questions that move their investigations forward much to the distress of the LAPD.
The setting was grand as well from the red carpet, to the Oscars, to the after party. Who knew cheeseburgers were the go to food for these events?
As far as the plot, we go back and forth to the set of the movie, A Winter’s Night, and present day. When the footage is watched we see what happened on that set and gain insight into the death of the lead actress and other interesting tidbits. We then follow along as Nic and Nigel as the string the clues from the film together with the break in at their home. So many secrets come out and suspects are eliminated or zeroed in on . It was so much fun to read.
As with the first book in this series, Murder With A Twist, humor is sprinkled liberally throughout this book. This is just a fantastic read. A nod to the past brought to modern day in a most wonderful way. I am already looking forward to the next book from this author.
This will be one of my favorite reads this year.
Another extraordinary story from Tracy Kiely!
Nic, Nigel, and Skippy go to the Oscars and we get to tag along. (Skippy has to go home after the red carpet.) At the after party Nic and Nigel are pretty popular because the celebs learn they found some behind the scenes footage from a movie filmed in the 90’s. Melanie Summers died while it was filming and there was a lot of gossip and innuendo at the time. Someone overheard the conversations and knew those clips couldn’t see the light of day. They broke into the Martini’s home, attacked the employee taking care of Skippy and left her for dead, trashed the house and stole the footage. Nigel and Nic have a new case to solve and they may have to look into the past to solve it.
These characters are just so cool and fresh. They are in love, and are witty and charming. I love their conversations. Their sarcasm is priceless. They are also very smart sleuths. I enjoy their process and innocent probing questions that move their investigations forward much to the distress of the LAPD.
The setting was grand as well from the red carpet, to the Oscars, to the after party. Who knew cheeseburgers were the go to food for these events?
As far as the plot, we go back and forth to the set of the movie, A Winter’s Night, and present day. When the footage is watched we see what happened on that set and gain insight into the death of the lead actress and other interesting tidbits. We then follow along as Nic and Nigel as the string the clues from the film together with the break in at their home. So many secrets come out and suspects are eliminated or zeroed in on . It was so much fun to read.
As with the first book in this series, Murder With A Twist, humor is sprinkled liberally throughout this book. This is just a fantastic read. A nod to the past brought to modern day in a most wonderful way. I am already looking forward to the next book from this author.
This will be one of my favorite reads this year.
December 23, 2015
Killer Cocktail is a light mystery featuring a contemporary couple Nic and Nigel Marini. Nigel's company restores old film and Nic used to be a police detective. They have recently purchased a home where they found some homemade video shot during the making of a famous movie where the lead actress committed suicide. They take on a Hollywood "red carpet" crowd that may or may not be involved in more than one suspicious death.
The banter and conversation between Nic and Nigel is humourous and their relationship with their gigantic dog that accompanies them everywhere, even to the Oscars will delight animal lovers and add a touch of whimsy to the book.
I enjoyed how the author selected to share the backstory using the dialogue from the home moveis that were found. This also provided clues to the mystery of who the murderer(s) is/was. It is not a style I would read all the time, but it worked in this novel. I was kept guessing until near the end of the book to determine who done it.....
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers as well as those who like a lighter read.
Netgalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The banter and conversation between Nic and Nigel is humourous and their relationship with their gigantic dog that accompanies them everywhere, even to the Oscars will delight animal lovers and add a touch of whimsy to the book.
I enjoyed how the author selected to share the backstory using the dialogue from the home moveis that were found. This also provided clues to the mystery of who the murderer(s) is/was. It is not a style I would read all the time, but it worked in this novel. I was kept guessing until near the end of the book to determine who done it.....
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers as well as those who like a lighter read.
Netgalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2015
Killer Cocktail is a very engaging light mystery featuring a contemporary couple reminiscent of "Nick and Nora" in the Thin Man series. Witty and worldly, Kiely's couple take on a Hollywood "red carpet" crowd that appear to be involved in more than one suspicious death.
The fun is in the couple's banter and in their over-the-top affection for their family pet---a gigantic dog that accompanies them everywhere, including the Oscar ceremony.
I found the book a perfect tonic to tone down a busy holiday month--my only quibble was stylistic. The author frequently cut back to film clips from a much earlier period to provide clues, hints and red herrings related to the mystery. I didn't particularly like this artistic device, but it was a way to inform the reader about the characters' past. I would have preferred to get this information in some "less pat" manner, but this is how Kiely solved her problem of where to stash the mystery's clues.
Netgalley provided me with a comnplimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The fun is in the couple's banter and in their over-the-top affection for their family pet---a gigantic dog that accompanies them everywhere, including the Oscar ceremony.
I found the book a perfect tonic to tone down a busy holiday month--my only quibble was stylistic. The author frequently cut back to film clips from a much earlier period to provide clues, hints and red herrings related to the mystery. I didn't particularly like this artistic device, but it was a way to inform the reader about the characters' past. I would have preferred to get this information in some "less pat" manner, but this is how Kiely solved her problem of where to stash the mystery's clues.
Netgalley provided me with a comnplimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2016
Nicole "Nic" and Nigel Martini, like the second "Thin Man" movie, have returned home to California. The book opens with them on the Oscars' red carpet with their Bull Mastiff, Skippy. He is handed off to their assistant DeDee. Later that night, DeDee is attacked, beaten nearly to death. Could the intruder have been after the home movies that Nic and Nigel found in their attic? The behind-the-scenes films done by the producer's daughter seem to have stirred up a hornet's nest. A Winter's Night was a movie that captured the hearts of a generation, not especially because former child star Melanie Summers died while filming the movie. It also launched several stars and set up the producer and director as major Hollywood players.
Rumors have always swirled around the movie. Could it be that these tapes haves something to do with Melanie's death?
Just a teensy bit below the first book in this series (story is a bit slim, WAY too many people to keep track 0f) but still a fun story.
Three and a half stars.
Rumors have always swirled around the movie. Could it be that these tapes haves something to do with Melanie's death?
Just a teensy bit below the first book in this series (story is a bit slim, WAY too many people to keep track 0f) but still a fun story.
Three and a half stars.
May 10, 2016
A take off of an old .Mr. and Mrs, North who had a white toy poodle, stories. In this tale, the Martinis are at the Academy Awards. The have Skippy, a large bullmastiff. After the awards, they attend an A-list party sending Skippy home. Recently, they found footage of an early awarding film. It was taken during the filming of the film. Returning home Nic and Nigel find their employee severely was beaten and their home ransacked. Portions of the film are missing. The LA homicide detective dislikes Nigel as she was a New York homicide detective. His solution to the case wrong. There are enough chances to hide the killer. The format is not one I like going from one decade to another. However, this was skillfully done. Looking forward to the next book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Midnight Ink through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Midnight Ink through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book The opinions are my own.
July 22, 2016
A delightful & fun adventure with husband, Nigel (old money), wife, Nic (retired New York Detective) and their Bullmastiff, Skippy. Living in Hollywood and running around with the Oscar crowd is fun until a robbery at their home leaves their employee brutally beaten. Behind the scenes film footage of a classic movie in which the original leading lady committed suicide during filming was discovered when Nic and Nigel moved into their new home. Linking the film to the robbery and assualt lead them thru the past and current lives of some of Hollywood's top royalty. In this second book the characters are developing well and are a couple you want to know better. The setting and background makes a wonderful adventure for movie fans. The mystery plot is extremely well done and very twisted, just like the movie crowd. Nic and Nigel are both elegant and down to earth. Their lovable dog, Skippy will make you laugh out loud. A new series that promises to be a lot of fun.
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